It's 3:00 AM. All is quiet, the world is asleep.

But is it?

In this illuminating episode, we journey into the darkness to explore the vibrant and often overlooked world of nocturnal creatures, guided by the passionate insights of naturalist Charles Hood. His book, Nature at Night, serves as our compass, leading us through a landscape where life thrives under the stars.

Hood paints a vivid picture of the night as a time of transformation and activity, challenging the commonplace notion that all is quiet when darkness descends. Instead, he reveals a dynamic ecosystem full of sounds, movements, and interactions that awaken our sense of wonder.

From his unexpected path through academia to his extensive travels documenting wildlife in remote corners of the globe, Hood's extensive experiences as a naturalist and writer inspire us to appreciate even the most overlooked aspects of our environment, from the familiar raccoons in our backyards to the mesmerizing vertical migrations of oceanic creatures.

Hood maintains an optimistic outlook, reminding us that nature will persist, adapt, and thrive, regardless of the challenges it faces. His insights serve as a call to action for all of us to cultivate curiosity and appreciation for the natural world, urging listeners to step outside, explore, and connect with the life that surrounds us, especially in the magical hours of the night.

• Nature at Night: Discover the World That Comes Alive After Dark, From Timber Press
• A Salad Only the Devil Would Eat: The Joys of Ugly Nature, From Heyday Books
• Double Hyenas and Lazarus Birds: A Sideways Look at the Pacific Ocean and Everything in It, From Heyday Books
• More books by Charles Hood

• Nature is a dynamic cycle, thriving at night when the human world is asleep, highlighting the unseen beauty that flourishes in darkness.
• Charles Hood's exploration of nocturnal life encourages us to appreciate the often overlooked aspects of nature that exist right outside our doors.
• The concept of ugly nature, as expressed by Hood, challenges our perceptions and invites us to find beauty in the mundane and forgotten places.
• Understanding the vertical migration of ocean creatures reveals a complex, interconnected web of life that continues to inspire curiosity and fascination among nature lovers.
• Hood's journey through his unconventional educational path illustrates that persistence and a willingness to embrace the unexpected can lead to incredible experiences in life and nature.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting local bookstores, as they play a crucial role in keeping our literary culture vibrant and accessible.

• timberpress.com
• heydaybooks.com
• Monterey Bay...

Protests and social movements are often seen as spontaneous eruptions of public sentiment. What drives people to take to the streets? What motivates them to take their anger and frustration offline, out in the open?

In this insightful conversation with sociologist Dana Fisher, we explore the motivations behind collective action, especially in today's political climate of rising authoritarianism under the Trump administration.

Dr. Fisher, a leading voice in climate sociology, examines how various social issues intersect, particularly how the current political environment has galvanized protests surrounding climate change, civil rights, and the decimation of federal services.

Fisher's extensive fieldwork provides a nuanced understanding of how communities respond to crises. Her books and articles provide a roadmap for how individuals can contribute to meaningful change from the ground up, within their communities. She argues it is up to us, not outside forces, to shape our desired future. But we have to participate. "There are no free riders."

Fisher shares her latest research and insights into the motivations of protesters, drawing parallels between the current resistance movements and historical precedents. Climate change, she argues, is not just a standalone issue but is intertwined with broader struggles for justice and equality.

Social movements can coalesce around shared grievances, revealing that while climate may not always be the primary motivation for protestors, it is nevertheless a significant part of a larger narrative of resistance. As Fisher articulates, understanding these connections is crucial for fostering solidarity among diverse activist groups, and she encourages listeners to engage deeply with their communities to effect change.

Books by Dana Fisher

• Buy Saving Ourselves at this link and get 20% off with the code #COP20.
• Use the same code for 20% off on American Resistance

TED Talk

• How to Be an Apocalyptic Optimist

How do we find our footing and protect our peace of mind in a world that often feels overwhelming, where fear and uncertainty seem to be the new normal?

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, host Tom Schueneman opens up about his own “days of fear and loathing,” sharing his journey through a period of profound depression. He bravely navigates the distinction between everyday “blues” and the isolating grip of clinical depression, offering not prescriptive advice, but a heartfelt account of what helped him find a glimmer of hope and a path back to himself.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of the world or the quiet whisper that nothing matters, this episode is a comforting hand that reminds you that you’re not alone and that healing is possible.

Navigating Today’s “Challenging Times”: A candid look at the societal pressures – from climate change to political upheaval – that can impact our mental well-being.

The Blues vs. Depression: Understanding the critical difference between life’s natural melancholies and the debilitating, one-dimensional experience of clinical depression.

Breaking the Stigma: Addressing the societal hurdles, especially for men, in acknowledging and seeking help for mental health struggles.

A Personal Descent: Tom shares his raw experience with depression in 2014, describing it as a “black hole” and a form of “psychological or emotional suicide,” echoing Camus.

The Turning Point – Nature’s Embrace: An impactful moment of finding solace during a simple walk in San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, where “anxiety’s knife-edge eased.”

The Power of Green Space: How daily contact with nature became a crucial, self-prescribed balm, more potent than any pill.

Opening Up to Therapy: The journey of starting cognitive behavioral and talk therapy, the vulnerability it requires, and the profound connection that can foster healing.

Finding Hope and Moving Forward: Tom’s path to recovery and the lasting practices, like daily walks, help him maintain his mental well-being.

A Call for Self-Compassion and Courage: An inspiring message to nurture our mental health, find courage amidst fear, and approach the world with compassion.

Tom Schueneman: With a thoughtful and introspective voice behind the microphone, Tom openly shares his personal experiences to connect with listeners on a human level. In this episode, he steps into the role of a fellow traveler, offering his story as a beacon of understanding and hope in navigating mental health.

Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Text of Call 988

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET

• “The Myth of Sisyphus” by Albert Camus: Referenced in describing the philosophical weight of depression.
• John Muir: His